News Top: November
David Hoenemeyer Named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Seminole Gaming
Seminole Gaming | November 8, 2018
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (November 8, 2018) – David Hoenemeyer has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Seminole Gaming. His appointment was announced today by Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen. As COO of Seminole Gaming, Hoenemeyer will work with Seminole casino presidents and general managers to oversee day-to-day operations of seven Seminole Gaming casinos in Florida. They are Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, Seminole Casino Brighton, Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood and Seminole Casino Big Cypress. Hoeneme...
New Executive Leaders Named at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood
Seminole Gaming | November 7, 2018
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (November 7, 2018) – Seminole Gaming today announced new executive leaders at three of its Florida casinos, including Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood. Steve Bonner has been named President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, replacing Joe Lupo, who was recently named property president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Bonner was President of Seminole Casino Coconut Creek in north Broward County, Fla. Larry Buck has been named President of Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, he was General Manager of Seminole Cla...
Investor Ben Mallah pays $20 million for Holiday Inn Westshore near Tampa International Airport
November 5, 2018
Nov. 05--TAMPA -- Largo real estate investor Ben Mallah likes to say that while the other kids were out playing football, he was inside playing Monopoly. That hasn't changed. Last week Mallah paid $20 million to buy the Holiday Inn Westshore, his second recent significant investment in Westshore and his third hotel near Tampa International Airport. "It's a great place to be," Mallah said Monday. TIA is growing, Westshore is attracting new business, and the Florida Department of Transportation paid $37 million for what it expects to become a transit hub. "There's a lot of activity." In the Holiday Inn deal...
Is Automation the Wave of the Future for Hotels?
Chamberlin Public Relations | November 5, 2018
It wasn't so long ago that people would call a restaurant for a reservation, or go to the video store to see what tapes were available, or waited on the sidewalk for an empty taxi to drive by. Just as technology has made all of these practices obsolete, new technology is automating many of the processes that used to take up the valuable time of both hotel guests and team members. But while these new devices may be the wave of the future, hoteliers should think carefully before trying to cut down on costs by opting for automation. After all, technology is not only as good as the engineer who designs it, it's also only as useful as the pe...
Why Employee Recognition Matters for Hotels
Ben Travis | November 8, 2018
By Ben Travis The hospitality industry is one of the most important in today's interconnected world - it creates local jobs, opens areas to new business and tourism, and makes up around 10% of global GDP. However, it can also be a high-stress industry, with irregular schedules, long hours, and a lack of appreciation. Here are some sobering statistics: Employee turnover for hotel and other hospitality organizations is almost double that of other private sector jobs. There's a strong correlation between hotel employee engagement and likelihood of guests recommending a hotel to others. Only 55% of Millennial hospitality workers...
Seán Carney Appointed Managing Director of Rosewood Miramar Beach Opening Early 2019 in Southern California
Rosewood Miramar Beach | November 5, 2018
Seán Carney has been appointed managing director of Rosewood Miramar Beach, a luxury resort opening early 2019 in the idyllic Montecito community of Southern California. Designed with style, grace and glamour, Rosewood Miramar Beach will offer luxurious beachfront living in the most stunning of settings. In his role as managing director, Seán will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the property, including the resort's six dining venues and Sense, A Rosewood Spa®. Seán joins Rosewood Miramar Beach with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Most recently, Seán served as managing...
How Involved Are Hotel Owners in Property-Level Decisions?
Demian Hodari, Ph.D | November 6, 2018
By Demian Hodari, Michael J. Turner, Michael C. Sturman Hotel owners increasingly contract hotel management companies to operate their properties. While extensive research has examined management agreements to determine the balance of power between owners and management companies, little research has investigated the actual role that hotel owners play in property-level decision making. This is perplexing because management companies generally insist that hotel management agreements (HMAs) specifically stipulate that the owner should not seek to influence the hotel's general manager (GM). In other words, in exchange for their services, m...
Q3 2018 U.S. Lodging Market Update
Daniel Lesser | November 1, 2018
By Daniel Lesser What started as a bursting of the U.S. housing bubble between 2006 and 2007 and mushroomed into a failing subprime mortgage/credit market, ultimately resulted in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Ten years ago, the Great Recession of 2008/2009 was ushered in by a full-blown international banking crisis sparked by the collapse of blue-chip investment banks Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers. Through the end of Q3 2018, Wall Street is enjoying another heyday as profits for commercial banks are at a record high, the stock market is in its longest bull run in history, the U.S. economy is humm...
Market Snapshot: Asia Pacific 2018
Jeremy Teo | November 8, 2018
By Jeremy Teo , Ho Mei Leng , Hok Yean CHEE Transactions in Asia Pacific Transaction activity has been observed to be on a downward trend from 2013 until 2017, owing to the transactions of Dalian Wanda China portfolio to R&F Properties. Since then, the frequency of transactions have been high, with 228 recorded transactions from 4Q2017 to 3Q2018, slightly lower than the 251 recorded the previous four quarters. Geographically, the pick up in transaction activity can be attributed to the North Asia and South-East Asia markets, while Australia markets witnessed a slowdown. Reasons for the increase in transaction activity could plau...
Airbnb Pricing: What’s the Reason for Discrepancies?
Dr Elisa Chan | November 5, 2018
Bloomberg recently released the latest edition of its index which ranks locations around the world – taking into consideration some 120 cities – according to rates charged by Airbnb. Among its main findings were that although Miami and Boston took the top two places for the second year running regarding Airbnb pricing, Middle East destinations are now some of the most expensive in the world, with locations such as Tel Aviv, Dubai, Jerusalem, Riyadh and Kuwait City among the top 15. But how reliable are the data? According to EHL assistant marketing professor Elisa Chan, there is a challenge in understanding how Airbnb sets i...
Extended Stay America Completes Disposition of 32 Hotels to Lodging Advisory Group and Provident Realty Advisors
Extended Stay America | November 1, 2018
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – November 1, 2018 — Extended Stay America, Inc. and ESH Hospitality, Inc. (NASDAQ:STAY) (together, the "Company") today announced the completed sales of 2 portfolios totaling 32 branded Extended Stay America hotels. The Company recently completed the sale of 16 Extended Stay America branded hotels to Lodging Advisory Group, LLC ("LAG"), a hotel owner, developer and asset manager with offices in Wichita, Denver and Phoenix. The hotels acquired by LAG include hotels located in Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Nebraska and Arizona. The disposition comes with franchise agreements for each of the 16 hotels. Addition...
Hotel Retlaw, to Debut in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Names Michael Bublitz, General Manager and Sue Irizarry, Director of Sales
Hotel Retlaw | November 7, 2018
Fond du Lac, Wis., (November 7, 2018) – Hotel Retlaw, a premiere lodging option opening in December of this year in Fond du Lac, announces the hiring of two key personnel—Michael Bublitz as general manager and Sue Irizarry as director of sales and catering. Both executives grew up in Wisconsin and have a passion for the hospitality sector. Michael Bublitz, General Manager A veteran of more than 20 years in the hospitality industry, Bublitz will oversee the day-to-day operations at Hotel Retlaw. He will be responsible for leading a staff of 150 employees while providing a memorable guest experience through a high degree of ho...
Hotel Granduca Austin Appoints Miguel Ortiz as Executive Chef
Hotel Granduca | November 1, 2018
AUSTIN, TX (11/1/2018) Hotel Granduca Austin is pleased to announce the appointment of Miguel Ortiz as Executive Chef, where he will oversee all culinary operations of the property. "We are very pleased to have Chef Ortiz join the Granduca family," said General Manager Olivier Glattfelder. "He brings many years of experience and we look forward to showcasing his culinary talent." Chef Ortiz joins Hotel Granduca Austin with nearly 20 years of hospitality and culinary experience. His most recent position was as Executive Sous Chef at the Escondido Golf & Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay, TX. He has held Chef and Executive Chef positions, an...
Bahia Principe Opens Its 25th Hotel: Fantasia Bahia Principe Tenerife in Spain
November 6, 2018
TENERIFE, SPAIN (Nov. 6, 2018) – Bahia Principe, the leading all-inclusive resort brand with properties in Spain, Mexico and the Caribbean, has officially opened its 25th hotel, a five-star Fantasia-brand resort in the island of Tenerife, Spain. Fantasia Bahia Principe Tenerife in San Miguel de Abona represents a US$90 million investment that will position the brand as the benchmark in high-end family vacation tourism. The brand's first newly constructed property in Spain since 2003 is a sprawling complex that features eight buildings spread throughout more than 480,000 square-feet of space. The resort offers 372 rooms, seven swim...
Hospitality & Technology – What to Look for When Hiring a CTO
Thomas Mielke | November 7, 2018
By Thomas Mielke On the topic of hospitality, technology and recruitment (as published in Hospitality Upgrade) Over the last several years, the function of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) has become increasingly important to the success of almost every type of organization. Yet, despite its importance, it is still rare for hospitality firms to provide a board seat for this vital function. Consequently, the public profile of CTOs is often limited. So, what are the building blocks that form the profile of a successful CTO? And, what are the character traits that hiring committees should be looking for in a CTO? The CTO 'WISH LIST' In ...
Abu Dhabi National Hotels Signs for Two New Radisson Blu Hotels
Radisson Hotel Group | November 1, 2018
Radisson Hospitality AB, publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Sweden and part of the Radisson Hotel Group, is delighted to announce the signing of two hotels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Signed in partnership with Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche and the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain will play a key role in the group's growth in the Middle East. With plans to reach 100 hotels and 20,000 rooms in operation across the region by 2020, the group is keen to accelerate the expansion of its Radisson Blu brand in the UAE. Both the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi...
Winwood Hospitality Group buys property in downtown Raleigh for future hotel development
November 9, 2018
Nov. 09--RALEIGH -- Local hotel developer Winwood Hospitality Group has bought another part of downtown Raleigh. The company has spent $6 million to buy the Firestone garage property near Nash Square, where it plans to eventually build a hotel. Though, the timing on when the company plans to build there is undetermined, said Amit Patel, Winwood's president. "The long term use (of the property) is going to be hospitality," Patel said, adding that the company hasn't made any commitments on what type of hotel they would build. "There are six announced hotels in downtown Raleigh right now -- including one of our own -...
Oxford Capital Appoints General Manager Clay Andrews and Hotel Manager Konstantine Kabilafkas to Lead Godfrey Hotel Hollywood
The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood | November 9, 2018
(LOS ANGELES; November 2018)—The forthcoming Godfrey Hotel Hollywood—set to open spring 2019—announces the appointment of General Manager Clay Andrews and Hotel Manager Konstantine Kabilafkas; Andrews also serves a dual role as Director of Operations for the West coast region of Oxford Hotels & Resorts. Bringing nearly two decades of experience each, directing food and beverage teams, as well as managing hotels both boutique and corporate, the leaders have a clear vision for the operation of The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood including staffing logistics, on-site amenities, creating an atmosphere to differentiate it in the...
sbe, in Partnership With PPG Development Group, to Rebrand Former Diplomat Golf & Tennis Club to SLS Resort Residence & Marina Hallandale Be
sbe | November 5, 2018
NEW YORK, Nov. 5, 2018 -- sbe, a leading international hospitality group that develops, manages and operates award-winning global hospitality brands, today announced a partnership with PPG Development and its principal Ari Pearl to continue expansion of the SLS brand in South Florida with SLS Resort Residence & Marina Hallandale Beach. This announcement comes on the heels of AccorHotels' recent acquisition of a 50% stake in sbe. SLS Resort Residence & Marina Hallandale Beach will mark the 12th sbe resort and 4th SLS branded property in South Florida. Set to open in 2022, the project will offer 290 hotel rooms including 50 co...
New Courtyard by Marriott Set to Open in Southington, Connecticut Led by General Manager Ina Gallant
Courtyard by Marriott | November 8, 2018
Courtyard by Marriott Southington is set to open its doors in Southington, Connecticut on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard's latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 1081 West Street, the 125-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by AVA Realty Southington and managed by Titan Hotel Group of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Courtyard Southington offers guests convenient access to downtown Southington, Lake Compou...
Iain McCormack Appointed as General Manager of Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi | November 5, 2018
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the appointment of Iain McCormack as General Manager of Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, the luxury hotel group's first property in the island nation. With over 36 years in the hospitality business and a career that has spanned key global regions, McCormack brings with him a wealth of expertise and insight He has successfully managed several luxury resorts around the world, including the UK's Gleneagles Hotel and The Metropole. His background includes in-depth knowledge of sales & marketing, revenue management, strategy planning, positioning, quality assurance and awareness. A...
Chartwell Hospitality Finalizes Purchase of Tennessee’s 300-Room Franklin Marriott Cool Springs
Chartwell Hospitality | November 9, 2018
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – November 2018 – Chartwell Hospitality LLC, an integrated hotel operations and development company, recently finalized its purchase of the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin, Tenn. In addition to the full-service Marriott, Chartwell will also manage the 30,000-square-foot Cool Springs Conference Center, which is connected to the hotel and is co-owned by the City of Franklin and Williamson County. "This purchase illustrates our long-standing commitment to the Franklin-Williamson County area and we are thrilled to announce this substantial addition to our growing portfolio of hotels," said Chartwell's Founder ...
Melissa Oliver Joins Marriott Syracuse Downtown as Director of Sales and Marketing
Marriott Syracuse Downtown | November 7, 2018
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Nov. 7, 2018 – Marriott Syracuse Downtown has named Melissa Oliver as its new director of sales and marketing. A native New Yorker, Oliver brings to her role a decade of leadership experience in the hospitality industry. "No stranger to objective-driven sales and marketing strategies, Melissa has an impressively successful track record in the industry," said Todd Plouffe, general manager of Marriott Syracuse Downtown. "Add to that her New York State roots and passion for the region, and she is an ideal match for the Marriott Syracuse Downtown team." Oliver most recently served as director of sales and market...
Hotel Technologies to Showcase Qi Wireless Charging Clock with Bluetooth at ‘HX’
Hotel Technologies, Inc. | November 6, 2018
New iHome® bedside clock is capable of wirelessly powering all Qi charging devices including all newer Samsung and iPhone models; includes two rapid-charge USB ports, Bluetooth Speaker, Alarm Clock with Single Day Alarm and more; Visit Booth #3137 Nov. 11 and 12 in New York Rahway, N.J. (November 6, 2018) — Hotel Technologies Inc. will unveil a new iHome® Qi wireless charging solution at HX: The Hotel Experience next month that will power all Qi charging devices including newer iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, and others. With wireless charging for mobile devices in guestrooms becoming a standard amenity, the HW4 Qi Wireles...
Top Luxury Eco-Friendly Sustainable Hotels and Why Travelers Love Them
Alan Young | November 5, 2018
By Alan Young Industries across the globe are witnessing the consumer transition into what we like to call the experience economy. Perhaps influenced by the impressive buying power and sheer numbers of the millennial generation, modern consumers are showing a definitive preference for experiential purchasing over material goods. As the Harvard Business Review describes it "within an experience economy, a company intentionally uses services as the stage, and goods as props, to engage individual customers in a way that creates a memorable event." This puts the travel and hospitality industry, specifically, in an exciting position to maxim...
